Target Chase

Objective

• -Move quickly into a shooting lane
• -Strike with control after a short sprint
• -Enjoy fast, repeated finishing actions

Setup

1. 1Mark two short sprint lanes side by side leading to a mini goal.
2. 2Place a cone target or gate in each lane about 5 yards before goal.
3. 3Put players into pairs at the start line with a ball each or shared balls.
4. 4Keep the area narrow enough to make the turn and shot simple.

How to play

1. 1On the coach’s call, two players sprint to the nearest gate.
2. 2The first to the gate takes a touch and shoots.
3. 3The other player still finishes, but from the next lane or a second ball.
4. 4Both players recover their balls and return to start.
5. 5Rotate pairs quickly so the pace stays lively.

Progressions

• +Two-Touch Limit: drop to one touch in the central area
• +Weak Foot Only: add a defender to raise the pressure
• +Tempo Clock: cut the clock to four seconds
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Two-Touch Limit: allow three touches while the picture is learned
• -Weak Foot Only: static, unopposed reps before adding movement
• -Tempo Clock: extend the clock to ten seconds
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Two-Touch Limit — Players are limited to two touches — one to control, one to release.
• -Weak Foot Only — Every touch, pass and finish must be with the weaker foot.
• -Tempo Clock — The ball must reach the end action inside six seconds or the rep restarts.
• -Scan and Cue — The coach shows a colour or number and the receiver must call it before their first touch.
• -Shadow Pressure — A shadow defender applies half pressure and can win the ball only after the first touch.
• -Score Challenge — Run it as a timed competition — pairs or teams count successful reps and compare scores.
• -1-to-1 Session — Run as an individual session: coach serves, one player works through the reps with rest built in.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Running without control
• -Overstriding before the shot
• -Trying to hit from poor body shape